An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

A - Z Glossary

Hermit, Hermitess

A person who lives alone for religious reasons. The term is from the Greek for "wilderness" or "uninhabited regions." Hermits often live in a place that is remote from others. They may be distinguished from anchorites who live in a cell near a community. Hermits typically live contemplative lives devoted to meditation, prayer, manual work, and reading. Hermits may be called eremites or solitaries. See Anchorite, Anchoress.